Doris Roberts

Doris LaVonne Roberts, 82, of Dike, Iowa, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home, 680 Main Street, Dike, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Dike United Methodist Church. Burial will follow the funeral service at Elmwood Cemetery in Dike. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Doris was born on September 2, 1935 in rural Holland, Iowa to her parents Ben & Grace (Lupkes) Venenga. She was raised in rural Holland, Iowa and as a member of the class of 1953; Doris graduated from Grundy Center High School. After graduation Doris attended a vocational school in Minneapolis, Minnesota for one year. She then returned to Iowa and worked as an x-ray technician at the Acker and Horton doctor’s office in Waterloo, Iowa. Later Doris began her career as the secretary for Dike Elementary School, retiring in 2011 after 40 years of service. She was well-loved and fondly remembered by her former students and staff.

Doris was united in marriage to George C. Roberts on September 15, 1957, at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center, Iowa. Together they welcomed their son Gregory and daughter Dana into their family.

Doris was a long-time member of the Dike United Methodist Church. She served the church as the secretary for many years. She belonged to the church choir and served on various church committees. Doris was a long-time member of the Dike American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing golf, bridge and watching Iowa Hawkeye basketball and football. Doris was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan. However, her true joy in life came from spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters.

Doris is survived by her son Gregory Roberts of Dike, Iowa; daughter Dana (Kevin) Brandl of Humphrey, Nebraska; granddaughters Kaydie and Danie Brandl of Humphrey, Nebraska; sisters Marcia Stumpf of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Rebecca (Eric) Jacobs of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister-in-law Nancy Venenga of Grundy Center, Iowa; brother-in-law Jim Zumbrennen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George; siblings LeAnn Bettenga, Bernard Venenga, Darrell “Pete” Venenga, Carol Holmes, DeElda Zumbrennen, Elton “Butch” Venenga & Keith Venenga and many beloved in-laws.